Small businesses don't see economy on upswing in 2014

By Alicia Gentile&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 10:45 PM, Dec 03, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Tue 11:13 PM, Dec 03, 2013

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Small businesses in the Grand Valley aren’t expecting the local economy improve next year. The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce’s Semi- Annual Economic Outlook Survey results are in and 72% of small businesses viewed the local economy as weak or extremely weak. The results are not a significant change from where they saw it just one year ago.

“The results are kind of up and down, but overall I think if I can compare this to where we were a year ago, my sense is that businesses are just a little bit more optimistic than they were last year,” said Diane Schwenke of The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce.

Another positive finding is businesses say their outlook on the economy will not affect their hiring. The survey has been taking place for five years and according to officials, the poll is usually an accurate economic forecast.